Eclipse - A Jem & the Holograms Story

1 | the gala

I paced nervously throughout my office, trying to relax before sorting through the mile high stack of papers that lay on my desk. It was one week before the big launch of our new album, and preparations for the world tour that would follow were demanding as ever. Not to mention, the Misfits had decided to release their album on the same day, just to spite us.

I checked my watch, I only had an hour before Jem had to appear at the Starlight Foundation charity gala and reluctantly returned to work. I was exhausted. Keeping up with two different schedules was exhausting, and sometimes I felt like two completely different people.

Finishing up as much as I could, I left the office and drove towards the mansion. "Showtime synergy" I whispered. I had changed into a beautiful silver gown with sequins and my signature pink hair was styled to match. At least I had synergy on my side. As I pulled through the driveway I saw Kimber waiting out front. She ran over to me as soon as I got out of my pink convertible.

"Thank goodness you're here! We were warming up when the sound cut off and I had to call Rio to help fix everything." While I was glad the sound had been fixed, I was determined to avoid Rio at all costs. Things had been painfully awkward between him and I - well, Jerrica since the breakup two months ago. We always had a pretty on and off relationship - but this was one of the longest times we had been broken up.

"He's not still here is he?" I asked nervously glancing around.

"No, you just missed him," Kimber responded laughing,"You're going to have to talk to him eventually you know - as either Jem or Jerrica."

"I know," I sighed, "just give me some time."

Kimber led me to the small outdoor stage that had been set up in the backyard. "Wow this is incredible!"

"Isn't it? I'm sure this concert will be a hit!" Kimber remarked in agreement. The stage was decorated with an array of multicolored streamers and the large Starlight Foundation Poster provided a background.

Aja, Shana, Raya noticed my arrival and ran to greet us. "You look gorgeous!"

"Thanks, so do all of you," I smiled pulling them into a group hug.

"Are you ready for the concert?"

"Ready as I'll ever be" I reassured them. I followed the rest of the band onstage to get a quick practice before the guests arrived.

Our set was rather simple as, our new album was still in the works. Practice went off without a hitch.

Soon the entire backyard was packed full, and we headed out onto the stage, the bright lights shining down on us. No matter how many times we did it, it never got old. The thrill and adrenaline rush that came with preforming were unmatched. When we had finished, we were met with a thunderous applause.

After our performance, I went to mingle with the guests a bit. Typically I would do this as Jerrica, but Jem tended to be a better at charming donors to the foundation.

After what seemed like hours of talking, I made my way over to the buffet, in search of a drink and a bite to eat.

I was pouring myself a glass of champagne when I heard his voice behind me. "Jem," He said in almost a whisper.

Riot. He always managed to catch me off guard. I turned around slowly feigning confidence, "R-Riot, I didn't know the Stingers were coming to the gala."

"No, it's just me. Charity isn't really Rapture or Minx's thing."

"I didn't really think charity would be your thing either."

He winked "I'm full of surprises."

Riot donned a serious expression that almost looked sad. "Look, after you were there for me when I was going through that stuff with my dad means a lot. I know I've caused a lot of trouble for you, but I'm going to try to be better in the future."

I wasn't sure what to say in response. "Riot...I appreciate it."

He smiled. "Will you let me have a dance, I'd love to hear about your life."

"Let me just have one more glass." I grabbed my second champagne glass and gulped it down. I was going to need it.

He lead me out to the floor and we began dancing to "Every Breath You Take" which was playing from the speakers in the background. I couldn't help notice as we twirled across the dance floor, how his blonde hair was illuminated by the lights. I felt a blush creep to my cheeks.

"So you said you wanted to talk about my life?"

He nodded. I sighed. "Nothing fun at the moment. We've been practicing a lot for our upcoming world tour and album release. Honestly, it can be overwhelming sometimes."

"We'll just know you can always talk to me about it musician to musician. I'm also the guy to go to if you want a vacation."

I laughed, " I don't know if I would rate your vacations so highly - remember the Mexico incident?"

He almost smiled. "Yes, that certainly was not my best."

I noticed the sad look in his eyes. "Look Riot, I'm not mad about any of it. Despite that trip's abrupt ending- I really enjoyed it, believe it or not."

He pulled me in for a hug and I rested my head on his shoulder. I felt his whole body tense and then relax again as he hugged me back.

"Get your hands off her!"

Just like that, the spell was broken. Riot and I turned to see Rio headed towards us, fists raised.